What national organizations certify sign language interpeters?

[Keli]

Assuming there are such organizations on the national level. I have a friend that is fluent in sign (ASL and something else?). She interpets for our deaf ministry at church and she also leads our sign choir (that is fun to watch, IMHO).

She doesn't sign as an interpeter in any other setting but is interested in making sure she is staying current with her abilities and would like to earn a certification with reputable organization.

 

[Talking Hands]

Currently RID (Registry of Interpreters of the Deaf) is the only organization that certifies interpreters. There may be a state qualification test (QAST) through the KRID (Kentucky RID) I would advise her to join Kentucky RID if only for the workshops to continue improving her skills. If you are Baptist check with the state Baptist assocaiation for workshops as well as Southern Baptist COnvention of the Deaf. I know the AFBID the interperter group associated with Florida Baptist Conference of the Deaf will have an awesome workshop in Sept with REv Carter Bearden on Interpreting a Deaf Perspective.

 

[Keli]

Thanks so much for the info. I will pass it on to my friend. She doesn't live in KY though, she lives in TN. I assume TN also has a chapter of RID?